10.2. SR 05-04-2015
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 10.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session May 4, 2015Suzanne Fischer, Director, COD
Item Description Reviewed by
Snow and Ice Control Policy Mark Thompson, Streets Superintendent
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Discuss updates to the Snow and Ice Control Policy.
Background/Discussion
Over the last two snow seasons, staff identified areas of the existing policy requiring updates to more
accurately reflect the documents intent. The revisions proposed include:
Clarification that non-designated city sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner
Residents violating winter parking restrictions are subject to citations. Staff will discuss current
policy.
Residents placing driveway snow on public roadways are subject to citations
Mailboxes damaged by city equipment will be replaced with the U.S. Postal Service ‘swing away’
style, or, the resident will be reimbursed up to $75 (w/receipt) to replace the mailbox with a style
of their choice
Trash containers will be added to the list of disallowable items in the public Right-of-Way
The current winter parking restrictions prohibit on street parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. November 15
through April 15. Enforcement is intermittent at best. Vehicles parked on streets during plowing
operations present safety and property damage concerns. However, with only a handful of actual night
time plowing events over the 151 days of restrictions, the Council may wish to consider an ordinance
change, which will be discussed.
The proposed revisions will reduce obstructions in the roadways and allow plow operators to more
efficiently complete their routes.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
Revised policy
CITY OF ELK RIVER
STREETS DIVISION
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICY
I.I. INTRODUCTION
It is Tthe City of Elk River believes that it is in the best interest of the residents for the City
policy to assume basic responsibility for snow and ice control on Ccity streets. Reasonable snow
and ice control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services. The Ccity will provides
such control in a safe and cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel and
environmental concerns. City employees, equipment and/or private contractors are used to
provide this service.
II.II. COMMENCEMENT OF SNOW OR ICE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The Street Superintendent or his/her designee determines plow routes and the sequence of
operations in accordance with priorities in this policy. The basic criteria for these decisions are:
A.A. Snow accumulation of one (1) inch.
B. or tThe Streets Superintendent or his/her designee’s determination thate plowing is
necessary due to:
i.Drifting snow
ii.Icy conditions
Snowfall timing in relation to traffic flow. Night-time plowing usually begins
between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. but can vary based on weather conditions.
B. Drifting snow impedes vehicle travel;
C. Icy conditions seriously affect travel; and
iii.D. Time of snowfall in relationship to traffic flows.
Night-time plowing begins between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. depending on weather conditions.
III.III. STREET PLOWING PRIORITIES AND SCHEDULE
Streets are classified by their function, traffic volume, and community value.
A.Priority Routes - High volume routes which provide access for emergency fire,
police, and medical services; streets accessing schools and commercial businesses.
B.Secondary Routes - Residential streets, alleys and city parking lots.
C.Tertiary Routes - Cul-de-sacs.
In severe snow emergencies, operators may have to work in excess of ten10-hour shifts.
However, due to safety concerns, no operator should work more than fourteen (14) consecutive
hours and no more than eighteen (18) hours in any twenty-four 24-hour period.
IV.IV. WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS
1 draft 4.1.2015
City Ordinance prohibits all vehicles parking to be offon public streets, alleys and cul-de-sacs
between 2 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 15 to April 15, regardless of the amount of
snow. This allows crews time to plow the streets curb to curb. For safety and convenience,
priority streets are plowed first, then secondary and residential streets.
Vehicles parked on a city street during a snow event are subject to ticketingcitations and
fines. If your vVehicles remainsing on the streets 12 hours after it’s been ticketeda
citation, it w will be towed at the owner’s expense.
If your vehicle is towed, cCall _______ Towing at XXX.XXX.XXXX for retrieval
information.
V.V. SNOW REMOVAL
The Streets Superintendent determines when snow accumulationssnow will be are removed by
truck from an areathe public right-of-way to mitigate hazardous traffic conditions. This occurs in
areas where there is no room on the boulevard for snow storage or where accumulated piles of
snow create a hazardous condition. Snow removal operations will not commence until other
snowplowing operations are complete. The snow will be removed and hauled to a snow storage
area. Scheduling may be affected by weather, staffing levels and equipment availability.
VI.VI. DOWNTOWN SNOW REMOVAL
Downtown snow removal (including parking lots) usually commences between 2:00 a.m. and
4:00 a.m. but can vary depending on the severity of snow event. Downtown businesses are
responsible to have snow for removinged snow from in the front of their establishments within
24 hours after a snowfall.
VII.VII. SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL
The City Council designates sidewalks and trails that are plowed by the city. city’s non-
motorized pathway system is plowed by Park staff concurrently with street plowing. Sidewalks
are cleared of snow, but crews cannot remove packed snow and ice build-up. The City has one
sidewalk plow machine and routes are prioritized over a three day period. Clearing of non-
designated city sidewalks isare the responsibility of the property owner.
VIII.VIII. DRIVEWAYS
It is unlawful for anyone to deposit snow on a public right-of-way public roadways per
Minnesota Highway Traffic Regulations.
State Statute 160.27 Subd (5): Misdemeanors: It shall be unlawful to obstruct any public street or highway or
to deposit any snow or ice thereon; and, 169.42 Subd (1): Littering: No person shall throw, deposit, place, or
dump upon any street or highway any snow, ice, etc.
Residents observed doing such activities are subject to a citation and fine.
IX.IX. ITEMS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
Mailboxes - The Ccity does not assume liability for mailboxes damaged during snowplowing
operations unless the Streets dDivision determines that a plow unit made direct contact with the
box.
2 draft 4.1.2015
Staff shall investigates each complaint and determines if the mailbox was hit by a plow or other
piece of equipment. If so, a temporary mailbox will be installed until . In the spring, a
replacement is erected.
‘swing away’ style mailbox conforming to the U.S. Postal Service specifications 9350A will be
installed. This style is accepted by the Federal Highway Association as meeting the National
Cooperative Highway Research Program’s (NCHRP) Report 350 crash worthiness criteria. Style
9350A is the standard in numerous counties and municipalities throughout the state.
If the rResidents prefers a different style of mailbox they will be reimbursed up to $75 (receipt
required) to replace it with a style of their choicefor replacement. All mailboxes and structures
in public right-of-way must be constructed of break-a-way material.The city will not be
responsible for any future mailbox damage if it is not the swing away style.
Incidents involving cluster mailboxes (i.e. in cul de sacs) will be determined on a case by case
basis.
Trash Containers - If trash/recycling pickup day coincides with plowing activities, make sure
your tTrash can and recycling bincontainers shall be placed are well behind the curb or in the
driveway, clear of passing snowplows and resulting windrows so the plow will not hit them. Do
not place them in the street. The city is not responsible for any damage to trash/recycling bins
containers if they are placed in the street.
Lawn Sprinklers/Invisible Pet Fences - The Ccity will is not be responsible for damage to
any underground lawn sprinklers or invisible pet fences that are located on boulevards within the
street public right-of-way. Homeowners are responsible to protect such systems from damage or
to relocate sprinkler heads and fences within their property boundary.
Sod Damage - Sod damaged by city plowing equipment will be repaired the following spring
either by Sstreet crews using black dirt and seed; or by the property owner if they elect to do the
repair using commercial sod. The Ccity will reimburse the property owner for the sod
purchased but not for any labor costs. Reimbursement must be approved by the Street
Superintendent or his/her designee prior to the property owner doing any corrective work or
sod purchaseing the sod.
Please call the Streets Division at 763.635.1120 if you have questions about this policy.
3 draft 4.1.2015
CITY OF ELK RIVER
STREETS DIVISION
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICY
I.INTRODUCTION
It is the City of Elk River policy to assume basic responsibility for snow and ice control on city
streets. Reasonable snow and ice control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services.
The city provides such control in a safe and cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety,
budget, personnel and environmental concerns. City employees, equipment and/or private
contractors are used to provide this service.
II.COMMENCEMENT OF SNOW OR ICE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The Street Superintendent or his/her designee determines plow routes and the sequence of
operations in accordance with priorities in this policy. The basic criteria for these decisions are:
A.Snow accumulation of one (1) inch.
B.The Streets Superintendent or his/her designee’s determination that plowing is
necessary due to:
i.Drifting snow
ii.Icy conditions
iii.Snowfall timing in relation to traffic flow
Night-time plowing begins between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. depending on weather conditions.
III.STREET PLOWING PRIORITIES AND SCHEDULE
Streets are classified by their function, traffic volume, and community value.
A.Priority Routes - High volume routes which provide access for emergency fire,
police, and medical services; streets accessing schools and commercial businesses.
B.Secondary Routes - Residential streets, alleys and city parking lots.
C.Tertiary Routes - Cul-de-sacs.
In severe snow emergencies, operators may work in excess of 10-hour shifts. However, due to
safety concerns, no operator should work more than fourteen (14) consecutive hours and no
more than eighteen (18) hours in any 24-hour period.
IV.WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS
City Ordinance prohibits vehicle parking on public streets, alleys and cul-de-sacs between 2 a.m.
and 6:00 a.m. from November 15 to April 15, unless extended or repealed, by the Streets
Superintendent or his/her designee. This allows crews time to plow the streets curb to curb.
For safety and convenience, priority streets are plowed first, then secondary and residential
streets.
Call _______ Towing at XXX.XXX.XXXX for retrieval information.
1 propsed 4.1.2015
V.SNOW REMOVAL
The Streets Superintendent determines when snow accumulations are removed from the public
right-of-way to mitigate hazardous traffic conditions. Snow removal operations will not
commence until other snowplowing operations are complete.
VI.DOWNTOWN SNOW REMOVAL
Downtown snow removal (including parking lots) commences between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
depending on the severity of snow event. Downtown businesses are responsible for removing
snow from the front of their establishments within 24 hours after a snowfall.
VII.SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL
The City Council designates sidewalks and trails that are plowed by the city. Clearing of non-
designated city sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner.
VIII.DRIVEWAYS
It is unlawful to deposit snow on public roadways per Minnesota Highway Traffic Regulations.
State Statute 160.27 Subd (5): Misdemeanors: It shall be unlawful to obstruct any public street or highway or
to deposit any snow or ice thereon; and, 169.42 Subd (1): Littering: No person shall throw, deposit, place, or
dump upon any street or highway any snow, ice, etc.
Residents observed doing such activities are subject to a citation and fine.
IX.ITEMS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
Mailboxes - The city does not assume liability for mailboxes damaged during snowplowing
operations unless the Streets Division determines that a plow unit made direct contact.
Staff shall investigate each complaint and determine if the mailbox was hit by a plow or other
piece of equipment. If so, a temporary mailbox will be installed until a replacement is erected.
The city will replace mailboxes damaged from direct contact with city equipment with the ‘swing
away’ style mailbox conforming to the U.S. Postal Service specifications. If a resident does not
want the swing-away style, they will be reimbursed up to $75 (receipt required) to replace the
mailbox with a style of their choice. All mailboxes and structures in public right-of-way must be
constructed of break-a-way material.
Incidents involving cluster mailboxes will be determined on a case by case basis.
Trash Containers - Trash and recycling containers shall be placed well behind the curb or in
the driveway, clear of passing snowplows and resulting windrows. The city is not responsible for
damage to trash/recycling containers placed in the street.
Lawn Sprinklers/Invisible Pet Fences - The city is not responsible for damage to
underground lawn sprinklers or invisible pet fences located within the public right-of-way.
Homeowners are responsible to protect such systems from damage or to relocate sprinkler
heads and fences within their property boundary.
2 propsed 4.1.2015
Sod Damage - Sod damaged by city plowing equipment will be repaired the following spring
either by street crews using black dirt and seed; or by the property owner if they elect to do the
repair using commercial sod. The city will reimburse the property owner for the sod purchased
but not for labor costs. Reimbursement must be approved by the Street Superintendent or
his/her designee prior to the corrective work or sod purchase.
Please call the Streets Division at 763.635.1120 if you have any questions about this policy.
3 propsed 4.1.2015
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MOUNTING STRAP DETAIL
1" NOMINAL OIA. \
SCHEDULE 40 —/'
INNER PIPE, 11 -3/4"
MINIMUM LENGTH.
OPTIONAL SECURITY
CHAIN. REQUIRED
FOR TRUNK HIGHWAYS.
NOT INTEGRAL TO SAFETY
PERFORMANCE.
MIN. 7" PROJECTION
65' CUT
(90' OPTIONALI
— 3-<WELD TO
FIX.I BOTH
SIDES)
JOINT DETAIL
APPROVED JUNE 1, 2007
STATE DESIGN ENGINEER
rA
APPROXIMATELY
8" W X 21" L X 10 -1/2" H
RECOMMENDED
MAILBOX SIZE
6 FT. MIN. FLANGED CHANNEL SIGN
POST ( 3 LOS. /FT. ) PER SPEC. 3401
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SWING —AWAY MAILBOX SUPPORT Li —
NOTESo
MAILBOX LOCATIONS SHOULD BE STAKED BEFORE INSTALLATION FOR PROPER HEIGHT
AND DISTANCE FROM THE ROADWAY. ONCE STAKED, THE INSTALLER MUST NOTIFY
THE ENGINEER AND THE POST OFFICE. THE ENGINEER AND THE POSTMASTER SHALL
APPROVE THE STAKED LOCATIONS PRIOR TO FINAL INSTALLATION.
THE MINIMUM SPACING (CENTER TO CENTER)BETWEEN MULTIPLE MAILBOX SUPPORTS
SHALL BE EQUAL TO THE HEIGHT OF THE MAILBOX SUPPORT.
OTHER MAILBOX SUPPORT DESIGNS MAY BE USED IF THEY SATISFY NCHRP REPORT 350
CRITERIA IN ACCORDANCE WITH FHWA ACCEPTANCE LETTER, MEET MINNESOTA RULES
8818 AND U.S. POST OFFICE RECOMMENDATIONS AND ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH MN /DOT
REQUIREMENTS WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (REQUIRED ON TRUNK HIGHWAYS),
PIPE SHALL CONFORM TO SPEC. 3362. SCHEDULE 40 OF ASTM A53/A53M.
ALL FASTENERS SHALL CONFORM TO SPEC. 3391.
PIPES, POST AND OTHER STEEL COMPONENTS SHALL BE GALVANIZED PER SPEC. 3392.
THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SEND THE SHOP DRAWINGS TO THE ENGINEER FOR APPROVAL.
FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING DESIGN ELEMENTS AND BREAKAWAY FEATURES. CONTACT
THE DESIGN STANDARDS UNIT.
QI ANY CHANGE IN HEIGHT (H) MUST BE APPROVED BY LOCAL POSTMASTER.
Q2 45' BENDS MAY BE USED AS AN OPTION.
O3 A 48" OR 53" CANTILEVER LENGTH (L) MAY BE USED AS AN OPTION FOR NON -TRUNK
HIGHWAY USE.
STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIFICATION I STANDARD
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REFERENCE PLATE
3362 NO.
MAILBOX SUPPORT 3391
SWING -AWAY TYPE - 3392 9350A
3401
60'Q
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Lr A
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7,SEEJOINT DETAILNAL
DU.
SCHEDULE 40 PIPE
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OUTSIDE EDGE OF AGGREGATE SHOULDER,
8" TO 12" OUTSIDE OF PAVED SHOULDER
OR 6" TO 12" FROM FACE OF CURB.
DRILL 3/8" DIA. HOLES
FOR 5/16" DIA. DOLTS
(TYP.)
6 FT. MIN. FLANGED CHANNEL SIGN
POST ( 3 LOS. /FT. ) PER SPEC. 3401
•) P
SWING —AWAY MAILBOX SUPPORT Li —
NOTESo
MAILBOX LOCATIONS SHOULD BE STAKED BEFORE INSTALLATION FOR PROPER HEIGHT
AND DISTANCE FROM THE ROADWAY. ONCE STAKED, THE INSTALLER MUST NOTIFY
THE ENGINEER AND THE POST OFFICE. THE ENGINEER AND THE POSTMASTER SHALL
APPROVE THE STAKED LOCATIONS PRIOR TO FINAL INSTALLATION.
THE MINIMUM SPACING (CENTER TO CENTER)BETWEEN MULTIPLE MAILBOX SUPPORTS
SHALL BE EQUAL TO THE HEIGHT OF THE MAILBOX SUPPORT.
OTHER MAILBOX SUPPORT DESIGNS MAY BE USED IF THEY SATISFY NCHRP REPORT 350
CRITERIA IN ACCORDANCE WITH FHWA ACCEPTANCE LETTER, MEET MINNESOTA RULES
8818 AND U.S. POST OFFICE RECOMMENDATIONS AND ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH MN /DOT
REQUIREMENTS WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (REQUIRED ON TRUNK HIGHWAYS),
PIPE SHALL CONFORM TO SPEC. 3362. SCHEDULE 40 OF ASTM A53/A53M.
ALL FASTENERS SHALL CONFORM TO SPEC. 3391.
PIPES, POST AND OTHER STEEL COMPONENTS SHALL BE GALVANIZED PER SPEC. 3392.
THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SEND THE SHOP DRAWINGS TO THE ENGINEER FOR APPROVAL.
FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING DESIGN ELEMENTS AND BREAKAWAY FEATURES. CONTACT
THE DESIGN STANDARDS UNIT.
QI ANY CHANGE IN HEIGHT (H) MUST BE APPROVED BY LOCAL POSTMASTER.
Q2 45' BENDS MAY BE USED AS AN OPTION.
O3 A 48" OR 53" CANTILEVER LENGTH (L) MAY BE USED AS AN OPTION FOR NON -TRUNK
HIGHWAY USE.
STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIFICATION I STANDARD
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REFERENCE PLATE
3362 NO.
MAILBOX SUPPORT 3391
SWING -AWAY TYPE - 3392 9350A
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